Blood pressure

Blood pressure is shown as two numbers in millimetres of mercury (mmHg): systolic, while your heart beats, over diastolic, while it rests between beats.

Measuring at home

• Sit quietly for five minutes first, back supported, feet flat, arm resting at heart height.
• No coffee, exercise or smoking in the half hour before.
• Take two or three readings a minute apart, at the same times each day.

In Soma

Readings come from a cuff that writes to Apple Health, like Withings or Omron, or ones you type in. They show in Longevity > Body, under Biomarkers. Green means within the normal range, orange outside it, and red is kept for readings far outside it.

A high reading is a reason to measure again and talk to a doctor, not to panic. If you have a very high reading with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble speaking, call 911 or your local emergency number.